The government has empowered the Building Construction Committee (BC Committee) to prevent irregularities in building construction at district and upazila levels, ensuring safe and planned urbanization. Formed by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works under the ‘Bangladesh Building Regulatory Authority Act, 2026’, the committee has been given administrative powers to take immediate action against violations of approved designs.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
The BC Committee will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), approving building designs, supervising construction work, ensuring safety, and taking legal action against irregularities. State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahammad Sohel Monzoor emphasized the government’s commitment to establishing accountability and discipline in the building construction system. He highlighted the need for technical supervision and compliance with national standards to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.
Addressing Long-Standing Issues
Urban planners believe that the BC Committee will effectively control long-standing design violations, the construction of extra floors, and other irregularities. Building owners will now be required to obtain approved designs before starting construction, follow the design during construction, and collect an occupancy certificate upon completion. This new system aims to make the entire building construction process more accountable.
Technical Evaluation and Regular Monitoring
The upazila-level BC Committee will approve designs for buildings up to seven floors, while the district-level committee will handle taller buildings. Each committee must hold at least one meeting per month, with the presence of architects, engineers, and urban planners. Regular inspections and monitoring will help address the lack of collective supervision that has plagued building construction outside the capital.
Challenges and Future Steps
Experts emphasize that forming a committee alone is not enough; effective implementation requires skilled professionals, adequate technical capacity, and impartial law enforcement. The ministry has canceled the 2023 notification and implemented the new one, signaling a clear message that unplanned and risky building construction will no longer be tolerated. Additional Secretary (Planning and Development) Abdul Matin stressed the importance of following technical standards, fire safety, environmental issues, and the BNBC at every stage of construction.
Significance for Bangladesh
This initiative is crucial for Bangladesh as rapid urbanization has led to an increase in multi-storey buildings, often constructed without proper oversight. The BC Committee’s role in ensuring compliance with safety standards and national building codes will help prevent future accidents and promote sustainable development across the country.
